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Continuation...
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It's been long since Isamu arrived at the earth's surface again, and to think that he'd meet someone who used to stand alongside him. Akari was a companion of Isamu, but as many stories go, eventually they will part ways. But it didn't mean that they were going to be strangers once again. Akari and Isamu, together with Miyu, had their fair share of history. Much had already changed between them after they separated.
Akari fully embraced Isamu, as if she were to let go, he would disappear again.
Akari's tears welled up as she embraced Isamu really tightly.
"Isamu! Y-You're alive?! I'm so glad..."
Akari's sudden actions reminded him how she was before, and Isamu was eased up by this.
Isamu then called his scythe back to properly return Akari's embrace; it's been a long time after all.
"Akari, don't do it too tightly, urgh..."
Isamu said in a suffocated tone.
It's like being appreciated by some kids for saving their village; it's heartwarming.
But this time, it's quite similar, though Akari's just tall, but it makes no difference that she's like a child.
Isamu slowly wrapped his hands around Akari's waist.
"A...Akari, when are you going to let go?"
Akari gave a small sigh and slowly let go of Isamu; she backed off a bit before sheathing her blade away.
Akari then took off the hood she's wearing, revealing her long black hair that was insanely attractive.
Akari's eyes were purple, with a mix of pink.
"Isu... I apologize for that drama scene I showed earlier... It was really unsightly of me."
Akari was embarrassed by the scene she showed Isamu earlier, so a hint of pink came to her cheeks.
To break the weird silence that's been around them, Akari cleared her throat.
"Ehem... Well, Isu. It's been a long time that I've seen you. I've heard you came to challenge those miserable beings..."
Akari took time to calm herself, but she's trying.
"So... What happened?"
Akari snuffled.
Isamu sighed, a disappointed sign.
"Akari-"
When Isamu was about to speak up, Akari quickly shut his mouth.
"It's Ari. Ari. Quit forgetting our nicknames for old's sake."
Isamu chuckled.
It seems that he had really forgotten most of the past.
It's his stupid fate after all.
Well, Ari, it seems that... We were defeated-"
Isamu's head then ached.
He remembered Miyu, and she was held captive.
"Shit..."
Akari's expression changed to confusion.
"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"
Suddenly, a thought came to Akari's mind.
"Wait... How... How did you escape and-"
Akari hesitated, but it had to be done.
"And where is she? Where's sister Miyu?"
Isamu's head shot up, and his knees dropped to the ground; it was no clear why he was experiencing weird headaches.
Akari was then immediately worried; she then placed one of her hands on Isamu's shoulder.
"Isu? What's wrong? Hey?"
Isamu couldn't hear Akari's words at this moment.
But there's one thing for sure: he was supposed to save Miyu from being held captive.
Isamu can always call her back, but with the restrictions on him from leaving the holy sanctuary unscathed, he has to pay.
Isamu slowly looked up to Akari; dead eyes were resembling his silver-colored eyes.
"She's... Up there. All alone and cooped up."
Akari knew what he meant.
She was held captive.
Miyu was an important figure for both of them.
But Isamu had no mental strength to explain.
"We need to save her... Ari. You got the brains; I know you know there's another way for her to be brought down here with me."
Akari knows yes, but...
Akari was finally alone with Isamu; she wanted to be with him, but she knows it's a selfish act.
"Yes... There is a way. However, it's not something that you could handle alone, especially when you're in your weakened state."
Isamu was supposed to accept his shattered fate, but he's willing to bring everything back.
"Whatever it takes, please tell me how..."
Akari could see the desperation in Isamu's eyes and the determination it fills him.
Akari wished that the fiery determination was for her.
Though Isamu resembled Akari's past.
Always so desperate to achieve something, to bring what's right.
To right the wrongs she had experienced, it's for herself.
Everything changed when Isamu arrived.
He was her hero, saved by him countless times.
But not as extreme as Isamu was willing to go for Miyu.
"I really thought that you'd go such lengths for me too, Isu..."
Akari sighed.
"I wish you knew that I really... really love you."
Akari knew the journey is really dangerous and life-threatening, even for someone as powerful as her.
"Isu, I understand that you're willing to, but...-"
Isamu shouted and even threw his fist at the grassy ground.
"I know, Ari. But it never hurts to try, right? Rather than to be idle and not do anything, right?"
Akari was stunned by Isamu's word; she was jealous and envious.
Akari lit up a smile and knelt down to Isamu's level so that she could face him.
"Then let me help you. Just like before, hm? How does that sound?"
Isamu's eyes widened; a happy expression appeared on his face.
"He's really like me, huh. I'm so envious... Really."
"So we're travel buddies once again, Isu."
Akari picked Isamu up.
"I missed this sight, really. I've already got bored, so let's make our new adventure really exciting."
Isamu sighed in relief.
"What could I really do without you, Ari?"
Akari blushed, so she swiftly turned away.
"Quit it; it doesn't suit you!"
Isamu giggled, excited to see where Akari may lead the two of them.
Akari then reached out her hand; her expressions showed excitement and happiness.
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's go save some sister Miyu."
Isamu nodded and took Akari's hand.
"Yeah... Let's do it! Lead me the way, Ari..."
In Isamu's head, happiness may not last long, but at least he gets to experience what it is like to meet the old acquaintances again.
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To be continued...
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